Synopsis
India is working closely with US officials on the logistics for the surrender of Tahawwur Rana, who is accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and has exhausted all legal options in the US. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed this during a briefing ahead of PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US.Key Takeaways
- India is coordinating with the US for Tahawwur Rana's surrender.
- Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the US.
- The US Supreme Court dismissed Rana's appeal.
- PM Modi's visit to the US is approaching.
- India-US partnership remains strong and bipartisan.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) India has confirmed that it is actively collaborating with US authorities to facilitate the logistics concerning the surrender of Tahawwur Rana, the individual accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, as he has exhausted all legal options available in the United States.
During a special briefing conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming international visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed questions related to Rana's extradition from the US.
Foreign Secretary Misri stated, "Regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, based on recent updates, it is evident that Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the United States, with the US Supreme Court also rejecting his appeal. Thus, we are currently collaborating with US authorities to manage the logistics of his surrender to Indian officials."
He further mentioned, "We will keep you informed as we receive additional updates on this matter."
This announcement comes as the Prime Minister prepares for his visit to the United States.
"This trip will serve as a significant opportunity to engage with the new administration across various areas of shared interest," Misri added.
Foreign Secretary Misri also indicated that PM Modi and US President Donald Trump will participate in bilateral discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats, with senior US administration officials anticipated to meet the Prime Minister during his visit.
"The invitation extended to the Prime Minister for a visit to the US within a mere three weeks of the new administration's inauguration underscores the significance of the India-US partnership and reflects the bipartisan support that this relationship enjoys in the US," he emphasized.
Previously, during a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that the Indian government was collaborating with the US on procedural aspects for the prompt extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India.
"On January 21, the US Supreme Court rejected a petition from the accused. This indicates that his appeal in this matter has been dismissed. We are now coordinating with the US regarding procedural matters for the expedited extradition to India of the individual implicated in the Mumbai terror attack," Jaiswal stated.
On January 28, the US State Department announced that it is currently assessing the next steps concerning Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India.
"In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, and in accordance with applicable US law, the Department of State is presently evaluating the next steps in this case," the statement read.
"We have consistently supported India's efforts to ensure that those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attacks are brought to justice," the statement further elaborated.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a businessman of Pakistani origin, was found guilty for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, which resulted in the loss of 164 lives.
Rana's accomplices included David Headley, who confessed and cooperated against him.
On January 21, the US Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari submitted by Rana, aimed at blocking his extradition to India.
This petition, filed in November 2024, contested a previous ruling from a lower court that had favored his extradition.
A writ of certiorari is a legal instrument that permits a higher court to examine a case from a lower court.
The 26/11 attacks resulted in the deaths of 174 individuals, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, with more than 300 others injured in the tragic incident that occurred at Mumbai's Taj Hotel on November 26, 2008.
